Tafi Abuipe

Tafi Abuipe is a weaving village where kente is made on narrow horizontal strip looms, the strips then sewn edge to edge into cloth. Ewe kente differs from the Asante tradition at Bonwire in its patterning and in its use of figurative motifs, animals, tools and symbols woven into the design, and historically in its colours, which tend to be less exclusively tied to royal use. Looms stand under shelters through the village and weavers work in the open, so visitors watch the process directly and can try a few picks on a loom. Cloth is sold in the village, by the strip or as finished pieces. The community runs the visits alongside the monkey sanctuary nearby.

What you actually see

• Strip looms - the narrow horizontal looms worked under shelters.
• Ewe patterning - the figurative motifs distinctive to this tradition.
• Weaving demonstration - the process explained and tried by visitors.
• Cloth for sale - strips and finished pieces sold in the village.

When to go

November to March in the dry season. Weekdays are when weavers are working; weekends and market days see fewer looms in use. Mornings are cooler.

Honest expectations

Visits are short and end at the sales point, with pressure to buy. Prices are negotiated and vary widely. Not all looms are working on any given day. Fees are charged for entry and photography.

Nearby

Tafi Atome monkey sanctuary is close; Hohoe lies north.